Ways to get on the water
Cumberland Lake Park
In many ways the Comox Valley is defined by water.
Comox is surrounded by the Salish Sea on three sides, wildlife-rich rivers course through the heart of Courtenay, whilst Cumberland backs on to the mountain walled Comox Lake. Above all of which towers the year round ice fields of the iconic Comox Glacier framed by the peaks of Strathcona Provincial Park with its many lakes. Waterways and how we enjoy the water have shaped, and continue to shape, the lives of those living here in the beautiful Comox Valley, but also the many happy visitors that get to experience our home.
The abundance of aquatic surroundings are a playground for those willing to get a little bit wet. With a variety of waterways ranging from lakes, rivers, and ocean expanse, the ways in which to safely enjoy the water are numerous.
Strathcona's Alpine Lakes
A mere 30 minute drive from downtown Courtenay brings you to the elevated Paradise Meadows parking, a trailhead with a tantalizing section of Strathcona Provincial Park alpine to explore beyond. On this network of hiking trails lies access to serene forest, hike-in campsites, alpine meadows, lofty mountain peaks, but importantly - glassy alpine lakes. These silent lakes punctuate or border almost every trail, from beginner to difficult. The mellow undulating terrain of the Paradise Meadows area gives access to both Helen Mackenzie Lake and Battleship Lake, via a day hike taken at an easy going pace. Both offer a superb place to partake in freshwater fishing where an annual stock of rainbow trout is maintained, best sampled from June onwards. Be sure to obtain a fishing licence before casting a line, however.
Battleship Lake, Strathcona Provincial Park
For the more intrepid, with higher elevations and more rugged terrain to negotiate, push further along this network, reaching the Forbidden Plateau area to discover Circlet Lake and larger Moat Lake. Circlet offers a campsite, with a section of waterfalls to enjoy, whereas Moat has a rentable cabin. Both are great for wild lake swimming, perfect for hearty folks who don’t mind some cold water exposure, alternatively they also have stocks of rainbow trout to fish.
British Columbia sees an unfortunate surge in emergency call outs in the spring and summer, therefore it’s important when entering any backcountry, or well trodden trail, to have a base understanding of risks and hazards. Properly prepare for your day(s) in no-cell-service country, and play your part in reducing wildlife conflict.
Lake Days In The Valley - Comox Lake
Just 4 kilometers west of Cumberland lies the 24 hectares of Comox Lake, a kidney shaped glacier-fed-lake that foots the sheer gradients of Strathcona’s mountains. The scenery is memorable and justification enough to make the trip, but getting on to the water may just be the best way to sample the bounty of this expanse. The lake conditions can often run smooth and therefore lend themselves to watersports in several varieties.
Comox Lake
Stand up paddle boarding has risen in popularity, and is a fantastic way to glide along the lake’s wooded shorelines, whilst kayaking is also appealing for many. With a boat launch, large beach, and log booms to safeguard swimmers, Comox Lake has all the makings of a fantastic lake day in a memorable setting. Don’t feel like you need to bring a paddle board or kayak either, rentals for both are available on-site through the Lake Park Society, with another option in the Coast Surf Shop, which has a location in Cumberland. From spring onwards camping becomes available with a variety of tent and RV ready pitches on this spectacular lakefront setting, but with tree shelter to enjoy also. Staying a number of days is a wonderful way for watersports enthusiasts to get the most from their lake days.
When taking to the water in any capacity, it’s essential to take measures in reducing the risk of incidents, keeping the on-water fun flowing for all. Make your party aware of recommended water safety guidelines and take informed judgment calls on conditions and water temperatures. Hot weather can also pose a serious risk to health, so being prepared for extreme heat is wise too.
Cumberland's Lakeside Lunches
Before heading to the lake it makes perfect sense to gather supplies for the day, and in doing so sampling the unique charm of Cumberland. This old coal-mining village leans into its heritage roots, but has modern quirks, cultural experiences, and a raft of food and drink options to delight any palate. Stocking up a full picnic, lakeside snack, or simply grabbing a coffee to go is easy. Options start with handhelds; such as grabbing a slice from always delicious Riders Pizza, known for their use of local ingredients and irresistible takes on classics. Whilst there’s also Mexi fare to warm yourself with Biblio Taco, here you can sample a taste of the south with tacos, quesadillas, burritos and salads, with a freedom to choose your fixings!
Satisfying sandwiches and freshly ground coffee are the speciality of the newly adored Laneway Coffee & Kitchen. And if top quality burgers and fried chicken sandwiches to-go are the obvious choice for lake days, Cooks Restaurant is a stand out option. Whilst breads, bowls and salads for dine-in or take-out are chosen to complement the craft beer on offer from community favourites Cumberland Brewing Company. The drive from lakefront to village centre takes a little over 6 minutes, it’s truly one of the most convenient lake neighbouring communities in BC!
Rider's Pizza
Biblio Taco
Refresh In The Valley’s Rivers
Rivers are a huge part of the rhythm of life in the Comox Valley, providing a literal life support network to the many species and flora that rely on the ecosystem. The Tsolum River and Puntledge River both converge in Courtenay to form the Courtenay River which in turn runs out into the wide ancient river basin that defines the valley’s coastline. These riverways are scenic arteries in our central island mountain-meets-delta landscape, enjoyed by many trail users that hug their banks, but it’s perhaps getting onto and into the rivers where the best fun is to be enjoyed.
Spring lends itself nicely to trout fishing from the lower reaches of both the Puntledge and the Tsolum, it’s not uncommon to witness idyllic images of fly fisherman casting with a backdrop of tall evergreens and bald eagles circling overhead. Salmon fishing in the late summer and early fall brings the most fishermen to the banks of the lower Puntledge, in particular. Fishing on the banks of the delta and beyond are also possible for fly fishermen, with beach casting and boat fishing ever popular, which we cover here a little later.
Early spring brings an increased runoff for the rivers from mountain snow melt, this offers opportunity for experienced kayakers to test their agility and mettle on faster than normal river flows. Both canoeing and kayaking the Comox Valley’s rivers are a popular way to experience them year round, bringing you up close to the wildlife and landscape features, or simply to pick up the adrenaline in some white water, rentals are available from a variety of businesses including Courtenay’s Comox Valley Kayaks. But, for those wishing to go with the (slower) flow, tubing has become a popular fixture in Courtenay’s rivers in late spring onwards. This leisurely meander downriver is best completed on large specially designed inflatable tubes. This form of serene river floating draws in people to both the Tsolum and Puntledge, where kilometers can be covered depending on where you decide to start your journey, all ending in downtown Courtenay with exit points by the centrally located Lewis Park. Renting a river-tube can be done through Courtenay’s Blue Toque Sports, who are an authority on all things tubular. Similarly, stand up paddle boarding offers a different perspective along the river waterways, also available for rental in Courtenay through Blue Toque or Comox Valley Kayaks.
As always, be informed before you take to the water, with river activities best completed alongside another person.
Nymph Falls
Nymph Falls
Meander To Your Next Meal In Courtenay
A day’s play on the river will fuel an appetite. Thankfully, Courtenay offers some fantastic food and drink options to either take along for the ride, or to conclude the day’s fresh water exploring with. The perfect grab-and-go bite may just be the roll ups offered at Delicado’s. These southwestern fusion wraps have long been a local staple, with freshly made combinations to satisfy any hunger. This makes for a particularly convenient meal if rental tubing, with Blue Toque Sports a mere block away. If good food to go with an emphasis on local ingredients is your thing, the Butcher’s Block will not disappoint. This Courtenay institution prides itself on using produce largely from local suppliers, their lunchtime deli special sandwiches have gained an ardent following, with options ranging from in-house smoked brisket to turkey bacon clubs.
A wander up quaint 5th street will bring you to newly opened, and always bustling, Mignon & kie. This superb eaterie challenges the lunchtime status quo with delectable South African inspired dishes, but also offers favourites in sandwiches, espresso grade coffee, and sweet treats. Whether eating in or grabbing to go, Frankie Jo’s, just off 5th street, presents curated daily specials of sandwiches, soups, and photo-worthy pastries. A little further on the edges of the city you’ll find a hidden gem amongst the emerging industrial locale of the same name, in the Tin Town Cafe. Try a slice of their in house made pie, a pastry delight or sample some freshly ground coffee. Whether making moves to Nymph Falls Park for some white water frolics, or to the Puntledge for a lazy kind of afternoon, there’s a range of options to pick up a bite en route.
Downtown Courtenay
Ocean Views That Won’t Be Beat
The ocean helps make the Comox Valley what it is. It’s easy to explore wildlife rich shorelines that offer spectacular views, a combination that attracts people from all over the world to our region. Spy Sea Lions, Humpback Whales, Orcas, Harbor Seals and many specimens of bird from Bald Eagle to breeds of Sand Waders, to name just a few. Comox, in particular, owes specific gratitude to its seafront proximity; the sea has shaped this picturesque community in many ways. It’s no wonder that here there are two marinas, a float plane terminal, and numerous boat launches. However, it’s the beaches, ocean parks, and coastline which provide the best settings for coastal recreation.
Boating and sailing endure as leading activities, especially in the spring and summer months. Many boat rentals, or chartered experiences, leave from the Comox Marina throughout the season. Sea fishing experiences especially rank highly among activities enjoyed with Salmon rich waters attracting eager anglers. If on deck angling is your thing Island Pursuit Sport Fishing is a great option, with their fleet of modern boats chartered by professional guides that specialize in bringing customers to hot spots for Pacific Salmon species, including Chinook, Coho as well as Ling Cod, Pacific Cod, and Snapper. Whilst Cliff’s Chinook Charters offers an experience where Cliff himself takes the helm with his 25 years experience and modern boat equipped with top-range fish finding technology. With these, among other fishing charters, there’s every opportunity to reel in the big one and make for a truly memorable day on the ocean.
The safest way to enjoy boating is with a professional licenced operator, but getting to grips with boating safety will give your party every chance of enjoying their day fully.
Island Pursuit Sport Fishing
Paddling on the ocean is a wonderful means of experiencing the beautiful Comox Valley landscape from afar and at perspectives otherwise unexplored. Coastal stand up paddle boarding remains extremely popular, especially launching from one of Comox’s beaches or boat launches. Claim majestic vistas of the Beaufort mountain range and Strathcona Park with the ever present Comox Glacier towering high above all. A tempered paddle on a calm day, or with a sunset, will dissolve all stresses, forge unforgettable memories, and hopefully get you close to wildlife. Coast Surf Shop hosts a selection of invaluable lessons and tours for those unsure of the local waters or looking to get the most from their time on a rental board.
As we experience the ocean as our playground, it becomes increasingly important that we own our roles as stewards of the sea, ensuring to pass through marine environments with respect and with as little impact to its residents. Being ocean friendly is vitally important. Become an ally to the planet by sticking to these easy to follow principles.
Paddle Boarding in Comox
Snacks For The Seaside From Comox
Never take to the ocean without proper provisions! Full day fishing expeditions, sea swimming, or paddling in the surf requires sustenance and why skimp in the taste department? Comox offers a selection of eateries ready to fuel your day, with take out options for ocean air picnics. Boonies Pizza, located in downtown Comox, provides seasonal slices and full pies with a reputation that precedes them; an always tasty bite for the day’s activity. Many of Comox’s ocean activities begin and end at the always pleasant Comox Marina, the park not only has views and a boardwalk to enjoy, but a kids splash park and large grass area to lay a picnic blanket. Resident here in the spring and summer months are three renowned food trucks offering a variety of fare. Feed your southern hankerings with Mexican handhelds at the Comexi Cantina. Grab a satisfying burger or wrap with Rove Kitchen, or remain on theme with some top rated local fish and chips with Surfside Fish & Chips. In between the seaside fun and dining, be sure to wander around Comox downtown and explore the inherent charm of this community.
Rove Food Truck at Comox Marina Park
In whichever way you intend to explore the Comox Valley’s waterways, we encourage you and your party to take the best precautions for a fun-filled day with no incident, with only soaking clothes and happy memories to take from the day.